This is the 26th time that the championships have been held in Lincoln at Pershing Center. We welcomed some 2,500 of America’s top speed skaters and figure skaters to our community for this tremendous event. Our staff at the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce are working with USA Roller Sports to assure that these visitors have a great time in our community each time they visit. The event represents over 10,000 hotel room nights for the duration of the event and has a huge impact on local retailers.
The 2012 Indoor Speed Skating Championships were July 14-July 21 followed up by the 2012 Figure Skating Championships, July 22-August 5. This spectator friendly event always has you on the edge of your seat, as speed skaters will reach speeds up to 30 mph while maneuvering other competitors as they move to the front of the pack. The figure skaters choreographed routines are full of jumping and spinning and equally intense competition. Each time I witness this competition I am impressed with how skilled these performers are. Hopefully you had a chance to take in some of the activities.
I want to take special note of the fact that these events could not happen without partners like the City of Lincoln, Pershing Center and our many wonderful hoteliers in Lincoln. There are so many people that play a key role in making these very large events happen in our city. It is truly a team effort and we have started earning an incredibly positive reputation with national organizations for our hospitality.
This is one of the reasons why Lincoln was awarded the World Youth Championships of the World Tenpin Bowling Association for 2016. This is an extremely prestigious event that will be at Sun Valley Lanes. The event, held every two years, is in Thailand this year and Hong Kong in 2014. Congratulations to our CVB team and Sun Valley Lanes for landing an incredible event.
You can also find a one of a kind museum in Lincoln. The National Museum of Roller Skating is home to the world’s largest collection of roller skates and roller skating memorabilia. Located at 4730 South St., this museum features skates, posters and artifacts from the past and present from all regions of the United States.
The museum and 25 others are featured in this years “Be A Tourist”passport contest.
Many of you have already picked up your local tourist passport and are filling it out for a chance to win great prizes. Please remember, if you plan to turn in a passport, don’t forget to mail it to our offices or drop off at one of the attractions by Aug. 20. Fabulous prize packages await individuals that complete varying levels of visits to area attractions. This is a great way to engage family & friends in the many great attractions Lincoln has to offer and when coupled with an overnight stay in an area hotel or bed and breakfast; this can be a very affordable overnight getaway.
Have a great rest of the summer.
The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. Networking opportunities, business advocacy, and creating economic viability are critical to our success. We encourage you to become a member and help us achieve these goals for Lincoln. For more information, please contact Paul 436-2350 or visit Lincoln Chamber of Commerce at www.lcoc.com.